Meet a Colleague: Laura Mendoza Laura Mendoza serves as the executive assistant for University Advancement.

W&L News Office
July 24, 2024

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
Coming up on two years this fall.

Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
I enjoy the connections with students, alumni, and families. It is incredible to be part of such a tightly woven community in our beautiful Lexington!

Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
Wilson Field has always been my favorite place, as I consider it the reason we moved to Lexington three years ago. My husband is the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the men’s lacrosse program. My daughter and I spend many afternoons at the field watching the team. There is truly no better experience than seeing my daughter run into my husband’s arms after he coaches a game.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hudson Valley, New York. I would highly recommend a visit in the fall – it is truly breathtaking!

Q. What advice do you have for students?
Take every opportunity to meet people wherever you are. Learn from them. Ask questions. There are so many unique life experiences people can share with you if you take the time to get to know them.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
I traveled to the Philippines with my sister in 2015 to volunteer with Smile Train. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The country was beautiful and the people were amazing.

Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love to spend time with my husband and daughter doing anything adventurous. This includes hiking, swimming and walking our rescue pup Marley.

Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
Somewhere in the mountains, where I could experience the beauty of nature.

Q. Who most inspires you?
My husband inspires me with his work ethic and drive. He is an incredible dad and has already taught my daughter so much resilience. It makes me incredibly proud.

Q. What music are you listening to these days?
Avett Brothers!

Q. What is your favorite film (movie) of all time?
Two movies are a tie in my mind: “Interstellar” and “The Arrival.”

Q. If you could have coffee with one person, who would it be and why?
I would choose my grandparents. I was blessed to have incredible relationships with them but they all passed before my adult life. I wish I had the opportunity to ask them more about their lives and learn from them. As an adult, I have so much gratitude and appreciation for all they did to shape my parents and my life. Family is truly everything.

Q. What is your desert island food?
Any type of sushi or seafood.

Q. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I practiced as a pediatric speech language pathologist for many years. Once I had my daughter in 2021, I started working at the university and never turned back!